Import Calibre into existing library?

[Mari123]

I have a library of my friend's, which is exported by Calibre export library data. If I import this into my library, will my existing library will be destroyed?

[theducks]

Originally Posted by Mari123

I have a library of my friend's, which is exported by Calibre export library data. If I import this into my library, will my existing library will be destroyed?

Define your version of Import.
Being nit picky here because different folk use 'buzz words' with their own view of what they mean.

Calibe Has its terms as found on Menus

Add: Merge books into the current Library, leave everything else about it (and your settings) alone

(Export/ )Import: Packages up everything about your Libraries and settings , to be able to Replicate (restore) how you were set up (a 1-click type of operation). There are other ways of doing incremental processes, BUT you need to understand the careful rules that must be followed.

Help stops NOW.
Why?... "Friends Library".

MR rules prohibit help with Piracy (assisting with Copyright violations)

[Mari123]

Originally Posted by theducks

Define your version of Import.
Being nit picky here because different folk use 'buzz words' with their own view of what they mean.

Calibe Has its terms as found on Menus

Add: Merge books into the current Library, leave everything else about it (and your settings) alone

(Export/ )Import: Packages up everything about your Libraries and settings , to be able to Replicate (restore) how you were set up (a 1-click type of operation). There are other ways of doing incremental processes, BUT you need to understand the careful rules that must be followed.

Help stops NOW.
Why?... "Friends Library".

MR rules prohibit help with Piracy (assisting with Copyright violations)

My friend exported the library by using the 'export/import all Calibre data' function and I want to add that library by using 'import all Calibre data'. Problem is, will it affect the previous library I have. It's just a fanfiction library from ao3

[theducks]

Originally Posted by Mari123

My friend exported the library by using the 'export/import all Calibre data' function and I want to add that library by using 'import all Calibre data'. Problem is, will it affect the previous library have. It's just a fanfiction library from ao3

Yes, unless care is used. (assumes you both use the default Calibre_Library)
RENAME YOURS FIRST using the Library Menu This avoids a stomp, it also makes it obvious, later, if Calibre settings get reset (the last used Library name is stored there and the default Library(name) will be used)
Mine is simply 'Main' (I have others)

Now, when you import, ONLY select THE LIBRARY, not the settings.
You will now have 2 (another) Libraries on your computer. You can stay that way or Merge into yours.
Viewing the to be merged SOURCE: Select books: right click Copy to Library <option>. That does all the lifting (and uses the Source Library (view) metadata , not the books (which might be stale)

Do check out (and set) Preferences: Adding Books: Adding Actions (a Tab). There are a couple of Copy To Library actions to consider

[Mari123]

Originally Posted by theducks

Yes, unless care is used. (assumes you both use the default Calibre_Library)
RENAME YOURS FIRST using the Library Menu This avoids a stomp, it also makes it obvious, later, if Calibre settings get reset (the last used Library name is stored there and the default Library(name) will be used)
Mine is simply 'Main' (I have others)

Now, when you import, ONLY select THE LIBRARY, not the settings.
You will now have 2 (another) Libraries on your computer. You can stay that way or Merge into yours.
Viewing the to be merged SOURCE: Select books: right click Copy to Library <option>. That does all the lifting (and uses the Source Library (view) metadata , not the books (which might be stale)

Do check out (and set) Preferences: Adding Books: Adding Actions (a Tab). There are a couple of Copy To Library actions to consider

Okay, so change my library name so it wouldn't be mixed up with my friend's, and import library without the settings, right?

[theducks]

Originally Posted by Mari123

Okay, so change my library name so it wouldn't be mixed up with my friend's, and import library without the settings, right?

Yup!

[Mari123]

Originally Posted by theducks

Yup!

Thanks!!